Two boxes of DVDs are sitting in my family room. By the time you read this, they will be gone! They are being given away this fall by the Women’s Ministries Presidents in each CLB Region.

But my question is: Will they be seen by the women in the local churches they are destined for? There is only one copy for each church, so we are trusting that every contact person who receives them will share them well! We are trusting that you will ask to see them in groups, or individually!

You’re wondering, “What’s so special about these DVDs?” Filmed and edited by Micah Nordtvedt, each DVD contains the five sessions of Leadership Training Conference 2. These Training Conferences were presented once in each Region, but now women from Connecticut to Calgary to California can receive, locally, the same training that Ruth Vallevik, Janet Spencer, and Ruth Christenson brought to our Regions.

If you weren’t aware of the Leadership Conferences (LTC1 and LTC2), read what four women from various age groups and locations had to say about the impact of the Conference, several months later:

Eastern single woman, 30s, involved in youth, children’s, and women’s ministry.
Hmmm – first reaction was – there is soooo much information here. I was the only one from my church able to attend the conference and was excited to bring back the materials to the women of the church. I wanted as much information as I could get my hands on!

I found the “tools” to be most helpful. There was the denominational comparison, the list of curriculum publishers and their faith background, the developmental picture chart, the levels of leadership. I find any graphs or charts to be the best way to validate what I am explaining and have learned.

We most recently used the curriculum publishers list with the Parish Education board to check out our VBS selection as well as our Sunday School curriculums.

I found the Family Tree of denominations most helpful to me personally as I have many non-Lutheran Brethren friends and part of my family is Catholic. It was helpful to have a quick reference rather than a long book to help me remember the beliefs of some of the denominations closest to ours. It has proven helpful to understand the Orthodox and the Catholics better as well.

I especially enjoyed the Rooted in Truth session, as so often we are not – especially as women – challenged to think in our theology. We who have grown up in the church often mindlessly pick up things and it’s just the way it’s always been and we don’t know why, nor do we question why.

Understanding theology enables me to understand the Word and share it with others.

I believe the information should be presented to all women who are attending the church regularly. I could envision small groups of training for a Saturday afternoon, or two, or three – as many Saturdays as we can spare an hour or two!

Eastern married woman, 20s, involved in music, youth and women’s ministry.
It was good teaching. I felt like it was not necessarily for just women – very applicable for anyone. I especially loved the foundations in theology that Ruth Vallevik went over. It was very academic, but very good to work through. This was something that should be taught in an Adult Sunday School class or Introduction to New Members class – included in every church. It was very thought-provoking stuff. I liked it! More intense study than I expected it to be – but in a good way. I felt like the stuff was a lot heavier than retreats. A lot of women really crave this deeper stuff.

I loved Ruth Vallevik’s “Rooted in the Truth!” It was my favorite by far. It was really great the way she made very clear how denominations fit together, who we are and what we believe. I really liked Ruth Christenson’s second seminar, “Strengthening Your Connection.” She talked about getting away for a retreat by yourself with God. There were self-reflective questions to think about. It’s a good reminder that you need time for your inner spiritual life. Really cool idea – having a personal retreat.

Quite a few people coming to our church have a minimal church background, or none at all. Ruth used the Tree Diagram to show how we fit in church history, and I’ve used that to show the similarities and differences in churches for people. In conversations with people that have started to attend, it provides a little more context for our church.

I would definitely try to encourage more people to get this training.

Pacific mom, 40s, Sunday School teacher, involved in music and women’s ministry.
I learned that we have some amazing teachers involved with Women’s Ministries: I so appreciate Ruth Vallevik’s heart to pursue her writing project; if we don’t understand our doctrine, and don’t rightly understand scripture, we can be easily swayed by false teaching. Janet Spencer’s passion for leading women to deepen their faith is so inspiring, and I love her zeal for encouraging others. Ruth Christenson’s calming presence, unique teaching style and beautiful illustrations cause us to understand the deep love that God has for us.

I was excited that so much practical information was shared at the conference. I’ve so enjoyed the DVD of LTC1 and look forward to finally viewing this new chapter of teaching.

Pacific mom and grandma, 50s, involved in women’s ministries and more.
I’m always looking for the opportunity to grow stronger and deeper both in my relationship with Jesus and with others. So, I really appreciate it when our very own CLB Women’s Ministries Team comes to my part of the country and offers a one day conference where… well, I don’t really want to confess this, but it’s all about “ME.” I need help with growing and maturing in my faith walk and with really knowing how to be rooted and grounded in the truth, which is exactly what this team of very experienced and wise women came to help us with. The only problem is that it’s called a “Leadership Training Conference” which seems to make many of the women think that it’s meant for someone else, but let me assure you; it really is all about “YOU!”

We really need to know how to better strengthen our connection between women, care for one another and help each other grow in our love, knowledge and service of Jesus Christ. In our world as busy women, wives and mothers who are continually giving out from our own wells that often run dry, it’s really encouraging to know there are other women around us who really do care about “ME.” Attending the conference reconfirmed this and now being equipped to use the DVDs in our own churches will help us share it.

Busy lives! Working wives! Young women with a passion for God. Older women with a continued thirst for learning. Anyone with a desire for training. This is a gift for you!

By Cheryl Olsen

Cheryl Olsen (pictured with her husband Stan) serves as the secretary of Women's Ministries of the Church of the Lutheran Brethren. (www.wmclb.com)

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